jimpy

Hi boys and girls. The names Ian, originally from South Yorkshire, I now live in Hampshire via 26 years in London! I've been a "long time lurker member" on the forum and finally got my backside in gear and decided to be a bit more active. I've an avid interest in just about "all things military" from ancient to modern, especially WWII and post-war British. Hoping to make a contribution here and there as appropriate and maybe throw the occasional question into the mix. Regards etc Ian D AKA: Jimpy

Hi Mark The short answer to your question is "NO". I dont know if you are aware, but a serviceman/womans "Zap number" is made up from the first two letters of their surname and the last four numbers of their service number. Having just spoken to my son, (serving regular army), apparently, you are very lucky to have got the jacket still with the ISAF patch. Regards etc Ian D AKA: Jimpy

Known by various names/titles, "Ski Bergan", "H-Frame Bergan", "Arctic Bergan" among others! I've still got mine, it's in the loft! Along with my "Cover, Sleeping Bag Arctic" The frame on mine is a dark bronze green with a makers plate riveted to the frame, (Karrimor), cant remember the date though, will have to check later when it's daytime!:-) IMO, a good piece of kit, decent amount of stowage space and lots of lashing points/loops, even if it is a bit heavy before it's loaded and virtually bomb-proof. @Eaglehurst The Rucksack GS and Ruck SAS/Para used the same basic frame as the Clansman radio set and they were/are VERY heavy before they are loaded. The main difference between these these two are the actual pack size, big on the GS and huge in comparison on the SAS/Para version. Also, the SAS/Para very had tape ties for the lid whereas the GS version has straps and slider buckles. Hope this is of some help Regards etc Ian D AKA: Jimpy

Hi wdbikemad. You are correct on both counts mate. The rubber capped w/bottle WAS UK issue and NOT compatible with the metal capped w/bottles threading. Regards etc Ian D AKA: Jimpy

Hi guys, just to stick my 2pennorth into the mix. As far as I am aware, British 44ptn w/bottles have NEVER had a chain retainer, it was/is a cord wrapped and tied around the neck of the bottle and knotted through the retainer loop on top of the bottle cap. There is also an obvious weight difference between British and foreign made 44ptn type w/bottles and mugs with the genuine British ones being obvious heavier when compared "like for like". Mugs are usually date stamped, maker marked etc on the rivetted handle retainer plate, not sure about the w/bottles though, (I loaned mine out some years ago and never got it back so cant check it out) 44ptn equipment has been copied, and, in some cases is still being copied, the world over. (The w/bottle carrier and mug themselves copies of the equivelent US Army ones!) Hope this is of some help. Regards etc Ian D AKA: Jimpy